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Scott Underwood

Scott Underwood, LCSW

Therapist in California

Seasoned LCSW focused on practical recovery

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23 years of experience listed

LCSW professional credentials

English languages

  • Direct problem solving
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Flexible approach

About Scott

Scott Underwood is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of experience. He began his clinical path as an Army Behavioral Science Specialist and later worked in community mental health, psychiatric hospitals, and independent practice. He has provided care for active duty Air Force personnel and other clients across a wide range of concerns.

He focuses on practical problem solving for issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, and self esteem. He also helps people dealing with grief, career changes, parenting stress, and sleep or eating difficulties. He describes counseling as approachable and sometimes even lightened by appropriate humor to relieve tension.

Scott uses methods that include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused approaches. He aims to match tools and pace to each person's needs, whether someone wants short-term coaching or ongoing work. He encourages new clients to bring a clear idea of what they want from therapy to help set goals.

He has experience with severe conditions as well as with highly functional people who find themselves stuck. Scott says he will adapt if a client's priorities change, and he welcomes people who want to sample therapy to see how it feels. He works from California and offers services in English.

For people who prefer telework options, the enrollment process on the platform includes a short matching questionnaire and scheduling based on therapist availability.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Scott uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and change the behaviors that keep problems alive; CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, panic, and phobias. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR, is an approach aimed at reducing the impact of traumatic memories and related distress. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and resolving trauma reactions and symptoms so daily life becomes easier.

Choosing the right method is a collaborative process. He will work with each person to decide which approach fits their needs, goals, and tolerance for different techniques. If something doesn’t feel right, he adapts the plan and tries another way of working together.

Many people find online therapy can fit more easily into a busy life by eliminating travel and letting sessions be scheduled around work or family commitments. Because session formats were not exhaustively listed in the biography, confirm the specific options available before booking. Online work can make shorter check-ins, regular weekly sessions, or a mix of focused problem-solving and longer-term care easier to arrange.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoaching

Additional focus areas

Family problemsMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Trauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Credentials

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does he help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, self esteem, career changes, bipolar and mood disorders, panic and phobias.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

His style is practical and down-to-earth, mixing problem solving with moments of levity when appropriate. He adapts to whether someone wants short-term work, coaching, or longer-term therapy.

What is his clinical background?

He started as an Army Behavioral Science Specialist in 1984 and has 23 years of overall clinical experience across community mental health, psychiatric hospitals, independent practice, and military settings with active duty Air Force personnel.

Where does he practice and what are his credentials?

He practices in California and holds an LCSW credential listed as CA LCSW.

Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

The original biography mentions teleconference, phone, or chat as ways some clients receive counseling, but current session formats should be confirmed before booking.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start a therapy relationship with him?

Select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Scott UnderwoodContinue with Scott